There are various types of mechanical float switches like mercury switches that a switched on when a liquid metal binds the circuit. Then there are simpler switches that are linked to the micro switch in order to activate the device. These simpler forms of switches are usually seen in sump pumps and various other household appliances. The float switch installed in the sump pump is used to identify the flooding in the sump. When the pump is done emptying the sump, the float comes down and the switch turns off. Similarly, in a dishwasher the switch is used for activating the valve so that the water can be filled in the appliance. After the amount of water has been filled in the dishwasher, the switch prevents flooding.

Similarly, in septic systems where gravity flow is impossible, the pump system is used. The pump system consists of three mercury float switches. One of three switches, which is the lowest is used for stopping the pump. The middle one is used for activating the pump. The fluid should remain between the middle and the lower switch in normal circumstances so that the pump is inside the water in order to protect it from the corrosive sewer gas. Third switch is activated if the tank crosses a said point and alarm rings.

When you are considering buying the float switches, there are various types for different purposes. It becomes very important to select the one which fulfills your requirement. There are various types of Mechanical float switches.

Mechanical Float Switch

Tethered or NonTethered switches

A tethered switch is attached to the wire or cable towards its end and a non-tethered one is attached on either the top or the bottom of the tank. Tethered and nontethered switch can further be divided into two classes.

Switches required to switch the pumps directly and can be used in other electrical devices as well

Switches that give the control signals to the control panels

Now, before buying the mechanical float switch there are few factors to be considered. Let us discuss each in details to make it easier for you to buy the float switch next time.

Voltage and current – The popular belief is that for low voltage and low current, any type of float switch can be used. If you use the wrong switch, it can cause failure at some point of time. Reason why certain type of float switch can fail is the design. Arching load is the current or the voltage that will create a small spark when the switch contact is switched on or off. When someone switches to the low voltage, there will be no arching and eventually high resistance deposit collection the contact. Therefore for the low voltage applications, a float switch that has been manufactured for that particular application should be used. You will notice that the switches which are of high quality have the gold plated contact. You can see various names of these switches such as pilot duty switches, control switches and so on. Those control switches which are of high quality will usually be plated with the gold.

In case of high voltage and high current, a float switch that can handle the higher voltage and current should be opted for. Before selecting the float switch in order to control the pump, make sure that it can handle the startup current at first. There are many switches that can handle a higher voltage and current but cannot handle a startup current and therefore look for the better startup current handler.

Pump up or down

Before zeroing in on the switch, you will have to decide how it will be used. For this, you will need to understand the pump up and pump down concept. In case your pump should start when that tank is full and halt once the tank is empty, then go for the float switch that is pumped down. This means that you would like the pump to stop at a point when the level of fluid is going down. In case the tank is low and you are looking for the pump to start as well as stop when the tank is full then a Pump up switch will be needed.

There are usually two wires in the float switches that are pumped up or down. SPDT which stands for Single Pole, Double Throw is another type of float switch that has 3 wires instead of two and can be used for both pumps down and up according to what you want. There is one common contact for both the wire.

There are various other factors that you will need to keep in mind such as angle of the switches, mounted or weighed switches and so on to arrive at the best decision.

A pool motor is a type of motor that operates the pump of the pool by sucking water in through suction ports and sending it via the filter and pushing the water out through the return ports. On an average, a pool motor should serve a minimum of eight years, but the warranties for repair are generally for 90 days and in the case of new motors it comes with guarantees of one to three years. Recently, there are electric pools motorsintroduced in the market which is much more efficient in sucking the water and are very fast in this work.

To sustain the life of a pool motor, one should vacuum out dust and lint on a regular interval. When one changes the motor, one should get a new motor that has the same motor speed, horsepower, voltage, and frame type as the old motor hence, to ensure that the new one work properly. Sometimes a pool owner might expect and think that more power is better… and end up with a motor that’s too powerful which further damages the pipes, and end up paying high electric bills.

What kind of pump one gets completely depends on the size of the pool; pools that are above-the-ground commonly uses low-head pumps; pools that hold 10,000-20,000 gallons of water has to use medium-head pumps; and pools larger than this uses high-heat pumps. If the pump gives out an awful screeching noise, it’s a sign that the bearings in the motor require a replacement or the whole motor has to be changed. If the motor makes grinding noises, it can be that the pump isn’t getting required water. If the motor hums but fails to start, one should check with the impeller which might have got clogged up with dirt and dust of the pool. If the motor hums but the impeller turns freely, one requires checking the power to ensure that the motor is receiving the required electricity (with newer motors, 110 V electricity is generally not enough).

If one finds that the motor is cycling and operating for a while, then turning off automatically, it can be because of overheating. Ensure of using the right electrical supply connection with the right wire size for the correct amount of voltage supply. If one has to change the motor and don’t know much about electricity, it’s better to consult with a professional who are expert in taking care of it.

You can find many industrial and home uses where float switches prove themselves to be useful. The truth is, in several cases, float switches are completely essential for the proper functioning of specific pieces of machines. The switches by themselves do not do very much, but when joined with other pieces of gear they prove quite useful. You can find a variety of kinds of switches that may be used for various uses.

The most common switch is a little kind that plugs in to your wall outlet and runs in-line with the electric sump pump. These have become common in places where cellars are below the water level. When there exists an important number of rain or the water level increases, if your sump pump is not installed, then a cellar has the potential to flood. The switch is installed so the sump pump intelligently turns on and off. Such a switch usually has a little ball inside of a watertight casing, so when the mechanical float switch lifts with the water level, the ball activates the switch, activating the sump pump, emptying the water that could possibly flood a cellar.

Exactly the same kind of switch also can be used in conjunction with pieces of industrial equipment. Frequently times, two or more switches will be installed in of a self contained pressure washer system or in a water holding tank. Multiple switches can cause different things to occur according to specific states. You can find usually float switches for a lower limit and an upper limit in a holding tank. When the lower limit switch is activated, a signal is sent so that water fills the reservoir / holding tank. The water subsequently fills the tank until the upper limit float switch is activated, causing the water source to shut off. Multiple switches or single multistage switches enable pieces of industrial equipment to run better, as relying on one switch can induce the piece of gear to activate and deactivate excessively, causing early pump wear and shorter service life.

Float switches can be found for various applications and the examples listed are a few of the many common uses for these switches. Many applications including liquids or fine stuff can reap the benefits of using such a switch. Float switches enable someone to control the volume of a substance either going into or coming from a place, when set up correctly, have become useful instruments.

Pool and hot tub owners must preserve a system of care to be able to keep their pool motors and pumps in perfect working condition. When a pump or motor fails, the safest option would be to hire a certified pool adviser to analyze your pool gear and troubleshoot it with the hope of determining what the issues are and urge a possible alternative. Most pump and motor difficulties fall into common groups. This post will discuss the most common issues a pool owner may run into.

Almost every kind of gear that includes moving parts needs regular care. Failure to properly maintain the gear will generally lead to inferior gear operation. In extraordinary instance of negligence, the gear may fail completely. Here is a short list of common types of pool gear disregard: failure to properly lubricate the moving parts, over tightening of fittings and valve stems, badly sealed hose connections, piping settings that constrict water flow, impeller damage from debris in the water supply, defective electric wiring, and wrongly calibrated voltage supply. Those are just a couple of the more common issues that impact pool gear.

If your pool pump motor does not start and you had like to troubleshoot it yourself, there are two obvious things to check. First, is there electrical power to your own pump? You may have to assess the electric supply line and see if the power switch is turned in the off position. Second, is the electric breaker turned off? You should have a look at your house’s electric panel and see if the circuit breakers are blown or in the off position. While it may look apparent, most individuals don’t check to see if electrical power will be sent to the pump. One other noticeable thing to check will be to see if the pump timer is set to function at a time besides the time you are attempting to analyze the pump. If the timer is set to run at 3am and you are attempting to analyze the pump at 1pm, the pump will not run. You’ll need to reset the timer to zero or avoid the timer completely if you want to examine your electric pump.

If your pump motor abruptly begins to make additional sound when it is running, you will find several chances. First, the motor bearings could be beginning to wear to the extent that seizure may happen shortly – check the bearings! The centrifugal switch spring may have neglected in which case it’s going to have to be replaced by a qualified pool service business. Another chance is the motor’s starter is starting to fail. Excessive pump motor sound also can happen as a result of corrode, insufficient lubrication, or excessive wear on the motor itself.

The above mentioned troubleshooting hints may help you save a significant amount of money if you’ve got the skill to execute the needed repairs. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to seek an expert opinion from a licensed, accredited pool and hot tub operator. If you hire an expert pool repairman to diagnose your or replacement pool motors difficulties, he might really help you save money in the long run; occasionally the appropriate repair might be quite simple to perform but the analysis needs someone with extensive expertise

The Capacitor Start-up Booster, Common Cause For Air Conditioning Failure

Many causes for AC failure are simple to see and simple to repair. However, many heat and cooling repairs are safe and some are not too safe. Replacing a defective AC capacitor drops into the class of “not so safe.” Thus comes the primary warning in this post:

Working with electricity is dangerous, even for pros. Before removing the service cover on any electric appliance or heating system and cooling equipment, understand the hazards and the security procedures related to that gear.Capacitors As Startup Boosters

AC capacitors gather and keep electricity. Removing the power source to your HVAC system doesn’t remove the danger of electric shock. Even without an incoming power supply, the capacitor in your outdoor condensing unit keeps adequate power to knock you sideways. Also: Disposing of an erroneously discharged capacitor into your family trash can cause a house fire. Additionally, you should avoid letting the capacitor come into experience of paper, dry grass, or another combustible material. To discharge the stored current from within an A/C or heat pump capacitor, disengage the power source after which use an insulated screwdriver to short across the terminals of the capacitor. Take heed to the following two rules:

Disconnect the unit power sourceDischarge the capacitor.HINT! Set aside resources for a annual HVAC house call. Regular service enhances A/C efficacy and dependability.Oops… Another Air Conditioning Failure

Broken air conditioning means terrible, hot and sweaty days both in and outside. Also, heat and cooling system equipment repair can be expensive. But wait! Maybe the suggestions in this post will allow you to save several dollars on the price of remaining cool during increasing temperatures. Keep in mind that messing with electrical parts is high-risk. Take caution which you completely comprehend this guide and the related warnings.

Make Use of a Multimeter

Capacitors store electric charge and are used to keep voltage supply or increase torque during apparatus startup. HVAC systems use capacitors for both functions. By sight and sound alone, it is possible to make several great speculations concerning the state of your AC capacitor. Nevertheless, for the final evaluation, technicians use a multimeter, and in case you are scratching your head over the period, perhaps you should only give the job to your local A/C service center.

Multimeter- Testing A/C Capacitor

Disconnect the unit power sourceDischarge the capacitorMark for place after which disconnect the cables in the capacitor’s terminalsSet the leads in the multimeter on the terminals, one to each terminalThe reading should be within six percent of the evaluation for that make and version of capacitor.HINT! If there is a clicking in your HVAC unit, check for any kind of obstacles instantly. This may be because debris is limiting the motion of the fan blades.Evaluation Ear-Centered A/C Capacitor Evaluation

Maybe using a multimeter is from the range of expertise, but you still need to do some preliminary testing before calling in the HVAC repair crew. To assess your unit via sound, stand close and listen for a hum sound. If the system fan isn’t spinning but the hum exists, the AC failure is probably linked to some defective capacitor.

Awful Capacitor – Testing By Vision

Normally, when a capacitor goes bad, the unit itself reveals signs of the failure. If you are feeling comfortable removing the condensing unit’s service panel, it is possible to perform a visual inspection of the capacitor. Does the unit seem to have a bubble-top, something which gets you believe the capacitor may get ready to burst open. A bloated capacitor is probably a broken capacitor.

When coping with air conditioning failure which requires replacing of the capacitor, recall two simple points:

Notice the voltage rating of the present unitNotice the micro-farads (μF) of the present unit.Brand name and component-contour (within acceptable limits) is unimportant. Yet, Even holding to the precise voltage evaluation is somewhat flexible. On the other hand, the micro-farads (μF) must be an exact match from old to new. But in case you are not 100% assured which you can safely install the right component, let a professional HVAC tech deal with your AC failure problems.